Tag Archives: reading

Philosophy, the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. It has a huge impact on our society, and it is also a subject that tends to have mix feelings. It is also something that could be taught here at FBCS by one of our English teachers, Michael Bigley. As an English teacher, he appreciates the Philosophers that can write well, as he said, “If I were to teach a Philosophy class, I would tend to focus on the Philosophers who can write well, and write clearly, because that’s what’s exciting to me.” Some Philosophers are even some of his favorite writers.

Pictured: Plato… One of the philosophers that would be studied in the class is Plato. Photo By: Laphams Quarterly

If he was to offer a Philosophy class, the class would start with the basics of logic and critical argumentation and the reason for being. “That is the necessary basis for all philosophy. It’s not “whoa, dude, what if everything is, like, an illusion,” it’s a serious method of thinking in the same way that science is. It has a method.” as stated by Mr. Bigley.

In the class, they would read some of the works of Plato, “Plato’s fun to read, and gives you a great introduction to what philosophers actually do because it’s all written out as though it were a play,” said Mr. Bigley. The class would also be spending more time reading Philosophy and discussing what the Philosophers actually meant. After which, they would start coming up with their own philosophies.

Usually, that is not what most high schoolers are looking for when they want a Philosophy class, which is why Mr. Bigley was hesitant to teach this class in the past. He said, “I don’t want to do a fake class, and we can’t offer a class if only two or three students are going to take it.”

Bigley Philosophy…Mr. Bigley might teach Philosophy if he can get enough students interested in the class (photo by, Kai Eagley)

Some may ask “Why study philosophy?” Well, Philosophy is an interesting and important topic. Not only does it help improve thinking skills, but it also provides our minds with the knowledge of logic that makes us an overall better thinker. It can even sometimes make you a better writer.

So, if you think you might be interested in a Philosophy class, make sure to mention it to Mr. Bigley.

“It is not enough to have a good mind. The main thing is to use it well.” – Rene Descartes

High school students learn how to run a business, create a product, figure out a demand schedule and sell their product to make a profit. Students are able to keep the profits they earn or absorb the losses they create. It is said, no high school in America teaches students to do this very thing. This has been happening for the past 8 years and 7 at Forrest Bird Charter School in Sandpoint, Idaho.